Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Axel Tuanzebe’s return to fitness gives him a real headache but he welcomes the problems posed by the club’s loan stars.
The defender has been out of action since December with a foot injury but is on the brink of making his long-awaited and significant comeback – something which gives the manager food for thought when picking his side.
With six loan stars currently in place at Villa Park, Manchester United man Tuanzebe one of those, Smith faces leaving one out on a match day until the end of a season, with only five loanees allowed in the 18 man squad.
Speaking of the loanees at Villa Park, Smith told the Express and Star: “We were aware of the situation at the time but they were the players we could bring in.
“We had Axel out with an injury. We are glad he is coming back as it is a boost for us. Again it gives me another problem to solve but that is what I am paid for.”
Opinion
It might be a headache for Smith but it is certainly not a bad thing for the Villa boss to be dealing with. He would much rather have all six of the temporary signings fit and firing for him than missing them through injury or suspension and it is up to him to decide who the best fit is when a match day comes around. The return of Tuanzebe, who was a top performer for the Villans before his injury layoff, will only add to the competition in the squad and that in itself should see improved performances from those currently in the side. With a hunt for the play offs well and truly alive, Smith needs as many bodies as possible to ensure that standards do not slip and his side keep pushing to finish in the top six. The loanees will all play their part before the season is out – but at least one is set to be disappointed every week.